US plans to boost ties with breakaway Somali republics to fight radical Islamists
By Matthew Lee, APFriday, September 24, 2010
US to boost ties with breakaway Somali republics
NEW YORK — The Obama administration says it will boost ties with two breakaway republics in Somalia to combat a growing threat in the lawless country from Islamist extremists accused of links to al-Qaida.
The top U.S. diplomat for Africa, Johnnie Carson, said Friday that American diplomats and aid workers will begin “aggressive” engagement with the self-declared republics of Somaliland and Puntland. It’s part of a bid to prevent the spread of radical ideology espoused by the al-Shabab militia in southern Somalia.
Carson says the U.S. would not extend formal diplomatic recognition to the two entities but would help their governments with agriculture, health and education projects. He says the U.S. will continue to support Somalia’s transitional government.
